Almando Multiplay Surround (Decoder II)

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Almando Multiplay Surround (Decoder II)

Installation and operating instructions

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ALMANDO

In the digital world of entertainment electronics, there are high-quality devices, technologically sophisticated devices, devices with good design and easy-to-use devices. And there are a few devices that combine all this in order to meet the needs of their users - like devices from almando GmbH. For this, we are taking new and unconventional paths and can rely on many years of experience.

We congratulate you on buying the almando Multiplay Surround. The unit is 100% B&O compatible and offers connectivity for up to six speakers in the 5.1 setup (front, surround, center speaker and subwoofer).

Various devices from Bang & Olufsen^® and from other manufacturers can be connected to the numerous inputs. The almando Multiplay Surround automatically detects whether one of the connected sources is playing and automatically activates the loudspeakers.

Once several sources are active simultaneously, an intelligent priority circuit ensures that only the source with the highest priority can be heard.

In order to activate and operate your connected device, you only need a single remote control - the almando Multiplay Surround does the rest automatically.

The almando Multiplay Surround is certified by Dolby and DTS.

almando GmbH is not affiliated with Bang & Olufsen^®, Grundig^®, Hisense^®, LG^®, Loewe^®, Metz^®, Panasonic^®, Philips^®, Samsung^®, Sharp^®, Sonos^®, Sony^®, Toshiba^®, TechniSat^®.

All names, logos etc. are registered trademarks of the manufacturers listed in this description.

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TRADEMARKS

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.

Dolby, Dolby Audio, Pro Logic and the double-D symbol are registered Trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

For DTS patents, see http://patents.dts.com

Manufactured under license from DTS Licensing Limited.

DTS, the Symbol, & DTS and the Symbol together are registered trademarks of DTS, inc.

Apple, AirPlay, iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

The trademark "iPhone" is used in Japan with a license from Aiphone K.K.

Use of the Works with Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to work specifically with the technology identified in the badge and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.

Google, Google Play, Chromecast, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC. The Google Assistant requires an internet connection and is not available in certain countries and languages. Availability and react of certain features and services are device, service, and network-dependent and may not be available in all areas. Controlling certain devices in your home requires compatible smart devices. Subscriptions for services and applications may be required and additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Connect the device to the power supply using the supplied power cord.

A damaged cable must not be repaired.

The operating voltage must match the local mains voltage .

Protect the device from moisture and water. Do not operate the unit in rain. The appliance must not be operated near water, bathtub, sink, kitchen sink, wet room, swimming pool or damp rooms. Do not place objects filled with liquid, such as vases, glasses, bottles, etc. on top of the device.

Avoid direct exposure to the sun as well as the immediate proximity of radiators, radiant heaters or similar devices.

If the appliance is suddenly brought from a cold to a warm place, condensation may form inside the appliance. Before switching on, wait until the device has reached room temperature.

To protect the device during a thunderstorm or when it is not supervised or used for an extended period, the mains plug should be pulled. This prevents damage to the device due to lightning strikes and voltage surges in the power supply system.

In case of improper use and by opening the device, the guarantee claim will be extinguished!

Disclaimer of liability:

Almando GmbH is not liable for damage to equipment caused by negligence or improper use. In particular, almando GmbH is not liable for loss of profit or other assets of the buyer. This restriction also applies to the personal liability of employees, representatives and vicarious agents.

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OPERATION

The almando Multiplay Surround is designed to integrate third party devices into a 5.1 surround setup with Bang & Olufsen audio systems and speakers.

Any TV (such as Grundig^®, LG^®, Loewe^®, Metz^®, Panansonic^®, Philips^®, Samsung^®, Sharp^®, Sonos^®, Sony^®, TechniSat^®, Toshiba^®, etc.) can be connected to the HDMI ARC input. This is also the way to control the volume with the TV remote control.

All video devices (Apple TV, Bluray Player, etc.) are connected directly to the TV - all audio devices are connected directly to the various inputs of the almando Multiplay Surround. There is, of course, the classic Powerlink jack for Bang & Olufsen^® audio systems (for example Beosound 9000).

Digital inputs are available for devices such as e.g. Apple Airport Express, Sonos Port or Sonos Connect. If you connect a PC or MAC via USB, the almando Multiplay Surround acts as sound card. You can also play music from a connected USB storage device. And finally there is also a stereo RCA input.

An application example for the Multiplay Surround Decoder can be found here:

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The almando Multiplay Surround can be individually configured with a smartphone app.

This allows you to set all parameters such as Lipsync, Downmix, Pro Logic Mode, volume and distances of the speakers, and adjust the sound settings such as treble, bass and loudness, etc. And all of this is even partial for each input individually. This allows you to set up your surround system to your needs.

STEPS FOR THE INITIAL SETUP

Step 1: Connect the Speakers

The almando Multilpay Surround Decoder provides six RJ45 jacks for connecting Bang & Olufsen speakers in a full 5.1 surround setup.

Front Speakers:

In this example, newer B&O speakers with RJ45 Powerlink jacks

Newer B&O speakers (e.g., BeoLab 18) will be connect directly with a CAT 7 patch cable.

This figure shows the connection of BeoLab 18 as front speakers.

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If the speakers have two Powerlink sockets, the wiring can also be made in daisy chain.

There are also various older B&O speakers with two Powerlink jacks (for example BeoLab 6000, BeoLab 4000, BeoLab 5, etc.). A wiring in daisy chain is also possible with these speakers.

Surround Speakers:

In this example older B&O loudspeakers with 8pol DIN Powerlink sockets

In order to connect older B&O speakers (e.g. BeoLab 5, BeoLab 8000, BeoLab 6000 etc.) you need some special adapters RJ45 <-> Powerlink.

In this figure you can see the connection of BeoLab 8000 as surround speakers.

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Center Speaker

The right upper RJ45 socket is specifically designed for connecting center speakers only. The center tone is output on both Powerlink audio signals from this socket.

This makes it possible to connect not just mono but also stereo speakers (as shown here with a BeoLab 7).

Subwoofer

Subwoofers like a BeoLab 2 are connected to the lower right RJ45 socket.

BeoLab 14 can also be connected without any problems (center and subwoofer channels are separately on both audio signals of this Powerlink socket).

If you also have the passive loudspeakers connected to the BeoLab 14 subwoofer, you will need two more CAT 7 cables for the front and surround speakers (shown here in dashed lines).

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Multichannel Modes

That means you can realize various speaker setups from 2.0 stereo up to a full 5.1 surround system:

5.1 surround setup with center speaker and with subwoofer

5.0 surround setup with center speaker without subwoofer

4.1 surround setup without center speaker with subwoofer

4.0 surround setup without center speaker without subwoofer

3.1 stereo setup with center speaker and with subwoofer

3.0 stereo setup with center speaker without subwoofer

2.1 stereo setup without center speaker with subwoofer

2.0 stereo setup without center speaker without subwoofer

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Step 2: Connect the Sources

HDMI (e)ARC / CEC

Connect the Television with the supplied HDMI cable and activate the HDMI (e)ARC function in the setup menu of your TV. Please observe the instructions in the manual of the TV.

POWERLINK (8pin DIN)

Here you can connect a Bang & Olufsen audio system (e.g. BeoSound 9000, BeoSound Overture, etc.) with a classic Powerlink cable.

Even newer B&O systems (such as BeoSound Essence, BeoSound Moment, etc.) can be connected - but for this you need an adapter cable Powerlink <-> RJ45.

COAX

If possible, use only devices with a volume-controllable optical output, such as Sonos Port, etc.

OPTICAL

If possible, use only devices with a volume-controllable optical output, such as BeoSound Core, Sonos Connect, etc.

The OPTICAL input can be paired together with HDMI (e)ARC.

RCA

Connect any devices that have a stereo RCA output (if possible adjustable by volume), e.g. Sonos Connect, Sonos Port, Turntable, etc.

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Step 3: Connect the Multiplay Surround to the Ethernet (optional)

The almando Multiplay Surround is WiFi certified and can be wirelessly connected to the network.

The device also has an integrated switch with two RJ45 sockets and can optionally be connected to your network with a patch cable. The second RJ45 socket can optionally be used to connect another device if needed (e.g. a TV, etc.).

Step 4: Connect the Multiplay Surround to the Power Supply

After you have connected all speakers and sources, connect the almando Multiplay Surround to your power supply.

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Step 5: Download and install the Goggle Home App

For the initial setup we recommend the Google Home App. This is available free of charge for the Android and iOS platforms.

Download the free Google Home App from the Apple App Store and install it on your iPhone or iPad.

Download the free Google Home App from the Google Play Store and install it on your Android smartphone or tablet.

After the installation start the Google Home App and you can start the initial setup for the Almando device. You define the device name (e.g. living room) and enter the access data to your home WLAN if necessary.

Step 6: Download and install the Almando Play App

For the audio settings and the daily use you need the Almando Play App.

This is available free of charge for the Android and iOS platforms.

Download the free Almando Play App from the Apple App Store and install it on your iPhone or iPad.

Download the free Almando Play App from the Google Play Store and install it on your Android smartphone or tablet.

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ALMANDO PLAY APP

Rooms (Main Screen of the App)

The main screen of the App is divided into these sections:

In the upper area you will find information about the menu level and the symbol for opening the settings.

The middle section lists all almando devices available in the network. To play music from a specific device or to configure this device, select it and it will be highlighted in orange.

In delivery state the device name consists of the word almando followed by a part of the MAC address. Of course you can define the device name yourself during configuration, for example living room.

This icon takes you to the details of the current playback. The volume control is located next to it.

With the icons in the tab bar below you can access the other areas of the app.

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Settings

The most important area of the settings is for the speakers and for the inputs. For each individual input you make these settings individually. To do this, just turn on the source player at the input you want to configure and start playback.

Here you select your favorite music service (e.g.Spotify) for quick access from the almando Play app.

Here you can define which icon in the tab bar are you need in daily use.

Click here if you want to set an Airplay password.

To access the network settings, please click here.

Click on this button to get to the page for displaying and updating the firmware.

Here you can reset your device to factory defaults.

If you want to restart your device, you can click here - this has the same function as disconnecting the device from the mains for a few seconds.

If you need information on installing or operating your device, you can download the instruction manual as a PDF and have it displayed by clicking here this button.

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Settings > Speakers

Optional: If the device has an integrated WiSA transmitter module you can open a page to connect wireless speaker (e.g. BeoLab 18).

In this area, you can select the speaker you want to configure with the controls below.

Use the upper slider to adjust the distance of the speaker to the seating position.

And here you determine the volume of the selected speaker compared to the others. You can raise or lower the level by up to 12 dB each.

Here you indicate whether the selected one is a "large speaker", thus suitable for playing deep frequencies (bass). If you have selected "LFE" at the top, specify here if a subwoofer is connected.

With this switch you can play a test tone. This will allow you to identify the speaker selected above and verify that it is connected to the correct output of the decoder. In addition, the test tone is helpful to optimally adjust the volume ratios between the individual speakers.

Here you determine whether data signals will be sent to the B&O speakers (input data from connected B&O devices or data generated by the almando Decoder itself for third-party

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Settings > Input

For each individual input you make various settings separately. To do this, just turn on the source player at the input you want to configure and start playback – for example the TV (HDMI ARC) shown here.

In the area of DOWNMIX you can determine on which speakers the playback should take place, if this input is active. The first number means the number of front speakers.

The number after the slash indicates the number of rear speakers. So you can, for example, when watching TV, play the sound in full surround sound (HDMI: 3/2) and in contrast, let your audio device run in stereo only via the two front speakers (DIN: 2/0).

For the sound settings, you can raise or lower the level of treble and bass by up to 12 dB each. And you also have the option to enable or disable loudness.

Use this slider to set the channel- specific volume for the device connected to the active input - level (gain) respectively start volume.

Delay / Lipsync. Select a TV channel with a news program or a talk show and move the slider until the picture and the sound of the lips are in sync.

This function is only available with the HDMI or SPDIF 2 inputs.

Although some TVs have an HDMI- CEC connection, they require additional parallel cabling with an optical cable (Toslink). In this case, connect it to the OPTICAL input and enable this function to pair the HDMI ARC and OPTICAL inputs.

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Radio

On the Radio page, you can start the desired station.

Music

Here you start your favorite music app (e.g.Spotify) in the daily use.

Here you can select which music services should be listed in the area above for quick access in the daily use.

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Inputs

This page shows the inputs on Multiplay Surround in order of priority:

In the top area you see all available inputs. The active input is orange color.

Here you can find information about the status of the device as well as the type of the signal.

The horizontally arranged buttons offer the option to switch Dolby Pro Logic off or on with the desired mode and thus store it permanently for this currently active input. After changing the input or restarting the device, the last Dolby Pro Logic mode will be used again.

For some inputs – HDMI ARC and OPTICAL - it will display a slider that allows you to adjust the volume balance between the ambient and the spoken sound. For better speech intelligibility, move the slider to the right towards the speech bubble. And if, on the other hand, you want to make the annoying commentator quieter during a football game for example, then move the slider to the left in the direction of the ambient sound (represented by a note symbol). This assumes that the current TV program is being broadcast in multichannel audio.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Inputs - HDMI (e)ARC for any kind of TV

- DIN 8pin / B&O Powerlink - COAX

- OPTICAL - RCA Stereo

Outputs (5.1 Surround) - 2 x Front L/R MMMMMMM. RJ45 (Powerlink) - 2 x Surround L/R MMMMM.. RJ45 (Powerlink) - 1 x Center MMMMMMMM.. RJ45 (Powerlink) - 1 x Subwoofer (/ Center) MM. RJ45 (Powerlink) Power Supply 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz

Measurements 254 x 156 x 41 mm (B x T x H)

Weight 0,76 kg

Color Aluminum ring / plastic cover & base in three color combinations

- silver anodized aluminum / black plastic - silver anodized aluminum / white plastic - black anodized aluminum / black plastic

Warranty 3 years

Accessories included - Power Cord

- HDMI cable, length 1,5 m

Accessories sold separately - HDMI cable, optical cable (several lengths) - Optical cable: Toslink <-> Toslink, length 1m (e.g. for Sonos Connect, Denon Heos, etc.)

Almando Multiplay Surround (Decoder II)